Dragons of Despair, Chapter 1: The Inn of the Last Home
Location: Solace, Abanasinia
Date: Nuindai, Evening, 23rd Reorxmont 351 AC

Across Ansalon, the Inn of the Last Home is known as a travelers' refuge and center for news.  Built in the largest vallenwood tree in Solace with a huge, convoluted trunk, the Inn rose high above the city's surrounding vallenwood grove.

Lanterns hung from tree limbs, lighting a huge winding stairway from the forest floor to the entrance of the Inn.  The stairs were wide enough for three people, carved from the truck of the tree itself, but with no railing.  Far above, light shone through the colored panes of the Inn's stained-glass windows, glittering brightly, and the sounds of life drifted out through the windows.    It appeared the Inn was doing a roaring trade this evening.

This was the first night of autumn, and a chill was already beginning to settle amidst the vallenwoods.  Memories and the promise of reunited companionship warmed your soul and washed away the aches and sorrows of the road.

As you approached the stairway leading to the Inn's balcony, a squad of four Seeker guards could be seen patrolling through the town's ground level, their faces dour.  The squad spared a glance for you and your companion, but continued on their way without comment.

When the Seekers looked away, Valik glanced Goldmoon, then over to Ayrron. He lowered his voice slightly to speak, "Seekers on patrol? In Solace?" He thought about it for a moment himself before adding, "I know we've been gone for a while in search of truths, but when did the Seekers move in? Have things gotten so bad here?"

"Let's get into the inn and see who else has arrived. Otik's ale will be welcome, and he'll know about what's gone on since we left"

The kender smiled as he walked among his home, but he too noticed the presence of the seekers. When they went past, he smiled as he spoke. "...so good to be back home. First thing i'm going to do is go to Jebsen's bakers and get one of his venison pies - so juicy."

As they went out of view, he lost his smile to become serious, looking back, he nodded to his friend. "I don't know whats going on here, but it's something." He looked at Goldmoon and smiled. "...but after a meal and a rest. You have travelled far, and we are waiting for our friends - it's been so long."

He looked at Valik. "Maybe something we can look into while we are home." He muttered

Having spent the rest of the time on the wagon talking with the dwarf woman and workimg on her song, Vailin being quiet as his usual self, Aelina thanked the farmer as they arrived in Solace. Tuning to Vailin as they were picking their packs, she took a deep breath. "Ahhhh it smells like home! I did miss this place. Lets go find our friends and the Last Home, I need to regain my place over there!"

Vailin had remained quiet through the cart trip, falling into a silent introspection.  When they arrived at the inn, he grabbed his pack, thanked the dwarf for her hospitality then followed Aelina into the inn.

OOC: Based on post order, I'm assuming Valik and Ayrron arrived and entered first.

The stairs wrapped around the trunk of the great vallenwood tree several times as it climbed, ending at a patio of sorts.  Several tables and chairs were set out here, all occupied.  The Inn was obviously doing a roaring trade, thought the mood seemed dour and sullen.  The heavy door swung open on well-oiled hinges as Valik and Ayrron entered, Goldmoon in tow, and the common room of the Inn revealed itself.  Bean-shaped, the room wrapped around the truck of the living tree, with a door set back near the trunk which lead into the kitchens.  Tables and chairs dotted the common room.  A stone fireplace sat in one corner, its weight supported by two of the largest branches of the great tree, and a large bucket of corded pine firewood sat to one side -- no resident of Solace would ever consider burning part of their vallenwoods.  More of the branches arced above to seamlessly blend with the rafters of the room, and a low-rise stage sat near the fireplace.

The conversation inside stopped for the briefest of seconds as the occupants assessed the newcomers.  There were some dark looks directed at Valik, and more than a few hands went to their belt pouches as Ayrron followed.

A plump and pretty barmaid with bright red hair shot past you carrying a tray of drinks as you stepped in, and called over her shoulder "Ahhh, be with you in a sec!"  She delivered the drinks on the tray in rapid order and hustled back to greet you.

"Welcome to the Inn of the Last Home.  Table for three?" she began, then stopped.  "Valik, is that you?  And little Ayrron?"  She looked around at the very full interior and shrugged.  "Sorry, looks like it's standing room at the bar--" she began.

"They can have my table," an old man with a bald head and a long white beard, stood up from his table and started hobbling towards the fire.  "I wish to warm my bones by the fire. Allow me to lean on your arm?" he directed at Goldmoon, who looked startled, but immediately fell into place.  "Of course, grandfather," she said.

The barmaid shrugged and pointed to the table.  "Better grab it fast before someone else does.  I'll be by in a moment to take your order, or if you don't want to wait, you can order at the bar."

A few minutes later, the door to the common room opened once more to admit Aelina and Vailin.  The half-elf and the warrior got the same cursory glances as their friends, but without the suspicion lacing the undertones.  Humans and half-elves were understood...

Ayrron walked up the steps of the trunk with a spring in his step - the inn was one of his favourite places in the town, not only for the drinks and food, but the social aspect. When Valik entered and he stepped in, he noticed the looks people gave him, and waved it off. “Ignore them big guy…they’re still sore you won that fight last time.” With the hands to the pouches, he ignored.

When the barmaid came and recognised them he smiled. “I know….it’s been what - two years since i was here last. I dunno about this big softie though.” When the old man gave up the table, he sat down quickly, looking at the barmaid. “Do you still serve that wolf boar stew? And some bread - and an ale as well”

He looked over at Goldmoon. “Goldie….don’t let that old fool start on a story - you’ll be there for a week. Cone and get yourself a meal.”

Valik took note of the dour faces and overall vibe of the common room, and wondered if it were not linked to the reason the patrolling Seekers. Whether it was because of them, or because of whatever had them here on patrol, that he could only guess. The dark looks directed at him were nothing new, he'd faced the same nearly everywhere he dared to step foot.

"They don't trust either of us from the look of it," he replied to Ayrron. Valik couldn't help but smile as Tika spoke to them without even the time to recognize their faces. Not that he could blame her after two years, she had certainly seen more faces than he had in that span of time. His smile grew on her return and realization.

The smile quickly faded, however, when the old man came and took Goldmoon's arm. His suspicious faded somewhat when she agreed and called him grandfather. Valik saw no family resemblance, but he'd seen enough places and cultures to think it was likely a reference to his age rather than any actual relation. He felt a bit proud of himself for having learned that bit, and remembered it as well. Still, he kept a close eye on the old man (and everyone else, for that matter), just in case.

When the door opened, Valik's head turned to see who it was. The smile returned as he saw Aelina and then Vailin step through. He smacked Ayrron's shoulder with the back of his hand, careful not to bowl the small man over, and pointed toward the door. "Together again." This smile was one of joy rather than amusement, and he looked over to Goldmoon hoping to get her attention and have her come meet their other friends as well.

The half-elf stopped a few steps inside the inn and closed her eyes, letting the din of the place she preferred in Solace enter her mind, a bardic exercise her mentor had taught her to quickly evaluate the atmosphere of a gathering place. And there was something off in the normally joyous tone of the Last Home. She frowned a little, before scanning the place, locating Valik, the goliath easy to spot. She had a look at the stage she had often occupied herself, not seeing anyone on it, before starting to move towards the table with her friend. "Vailin, come, our friend is there. Valik, you are still as montainous as my souvenirs... Oh, Ayrron you are here also, I am glad to see both of you! Did you order yet? I can't wait to hear about your last year!"

Ayrron looked at Valik and at his comment, waved his hand."Let them frown - this is a happy time." His smile doubled as his old friends came in and over to the table. "Ael.....ravishing as always. take a seat."

He looked over his shoulder at the woman who accompanied them. "Come....meet our friends." He frowned as he heard the old man start another of his stories.  "Gods man....you still telling that old tale? Leave the girl be, she's had a long road and needs a feed."

The kender came through the crowd (Again noting people closely watching their pouches) and looked at the man. "I promise if she is so inclined and needs a sleep, i'll send her over for one of your riveting tales, but for now, she needs to fill her belly Grandpa!"

She leads her over to the table. "Don't let him start on his tales....one time he spoke solidly all night until he fell asleep from sheer exaustion - and he never even finished!"

"Stories?" the old man brightened at the prospect.  "Why yes, I've got stories!  I've got stories the like which haven't been heard in hundreds of years!  Who wants to hear a story?"

Instantly, a gaggle of children appeared from some of the surrounding tables and virtually swarmed the stage, sitting down and getting ready to listen to the old man.  Ayrron took the opportunity to lead Goldmoon back to the table.

"Can you tell us a story about dragons?" one of the children piped up as the kender wove a path between tables to rejoin his friends, the plainswoman in tow.

"Dragons?  Why yes!  Have you ever heard the tale of Sir Huma Dragonsbane?"

"Huma of the lance?"

"The very one!  Sir Huma was a great knight, with the heart of a champion..." The old man's voice faded into the background as he wove his tale for the children.  Several of the Inn's other patrons listened on with interest, some with the ghosts of smiles, remembering their childhood days when they sat before a storyteller, perhaps in similar settings.  Some wore expressions of amusement, watching the children take in an evening free of worry.  Some wore scowls, as if the distraction was just one more annoyance in a series of them.  One man in the purple and gold-trimmed robes of a Seeker, deep in his cups, swore and muttered under his breath, but then called for more wine.

Tika bustled over to the table.  "All right," she said.  "Busier than we've been in a ten-day," she said, wiping her brow.  "What can I get y-- Aelina!  Vailin!"  She stopped for a moment, and shuffled around to get each of you a welcoming hug.  "It's been too long!  What brings you back to Solace?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:18, Thu 16 Mar 2023.

The bard hugged the woman back, smiling broadly. "Tika, its been way too long, its good to see a friendly soul around. As for why I came back, I missed my friends, of course! Tell me, do you have someone scheduled on the scene today? I would love to offer the good people of Solace some new songs, for my usual pittance of a fee. They might enjoy it, is it just me or is there less smiles around since I've been here? " She glanced at the Seekers seated a few tables away before bringing her gaze back on Tika, trying to get the latest gossip.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Thu 16 Mar 2023.

Vailin returned the hug, a slight reddening of his cheeks evident.  When asked why he had returned he responded "Your charming hospitality of course."  In truth he wasn't fully sure why he had returned, not really.  To date things hadn't really gone as he'd planned.  He'd done a lot of work, valuable work really.  But had it moved him any further along in his plans?  Not really.

Valik was glad to be reunited with his friends, to see that they had all survived their trips to various parts of the world in search of truths, hoping against hope that they could find someone who could still commune with the old gods, capable of healing magics, or to find confirmation of the rumors of stirring evil and war. He was eager to share in the stories of everyone's findings, but...

Then there was also the issue of Goldmoon, of the goblin attack, and the Seekers patrolling the town. Things were certainly not as they should be here, and it was not quite the welcomed return he had been hoping for. His smile at being reunited quickly faded as his focus returned to the moment, "Tika, why are there Seeker patrols in town? What has happened here in our absence?"

"Problem and cause in the same place," Tika settled on hand on her hip, glancing over her shoulder momentarily at the drunk man in the seeker's robes.

"They've been around for ages, but lately they've... I don't know, they've just gotten a little aggressive.  Harassing innocent folk, sticking their noses in everyone's business."

Otik hurried past behind her with a plate food.  "No time for chit-chat girl," he admonished in a low tone.  "Got customers to serve, and Seeker coins spends as good anyone else's these days."

"I'll say what I like!" Tika shot back, "And the theocrat can go soak his head if he doesn't like it."  But she looked in the direction of the drunk man cautiously as she said it.  He didn't appear to have noticed, his eyes on the old man telling stories to the children.

"Now, what can I get you?  Spiced potatoes?  Sausage?  Gully dwarf stew?  Some flat bread?"

Ayrron listened with interest, though outwardly it’s didn’t seem like it. Having the seekers here made him feel ill at ease - he had a secret for as long time, and not everyone here knew the major part of it, let alone all of it.

The kender smiled at the woman. “I’m not too hungry tonight, so just the stew and flatbread thanks.”
He smiled at the others, indicating the woman. “This young lady is Goldmoon….a woman we found being harassed by some goblins on the road. She3 needed aq place, and we recommended here.” He looked at the elf. “You already know Valik, the smooth talking warrior. This handsome lad is Vailin - try not get them mixed up….they get upset by that. The beauitful ray of sunshine here is Aelina, a endless source of information.”

"Right away," Tika said.  "As for rooms, we've got a few in the upper branches available still.  They're almost always available these days, so there's no rush.  I'll be back with your food and you can tell me then."  She started to hurry away, then paused to look at Aelina.  "Stage is yours if you want, though I'd wait for the old man to finish.  Let the kids get home before you start singing Ya ya Ding Dong."

After all the orders were taken she hurried away, leaving you to converse amongst yourselves.  On the stage, the old man continued his tale.  "...Huma was lost in the dark wood.  For many days he travelled, trying to find a way out while his food supply dwindled.  He was near starvation when there appeared before him a white stag, pure as newfallen snow.  Huma drew his bow and aimed at the stag, seeing salvation in food at last."  The children gasped.

"He didn't kill it, did he?"

"He wanted to, so great was his hunger.  But his heart was greater still, and he could not bring himself to slay such a magnificent beast.  As he lowered his bow, the stag bounded off, then looked back, as if to say 'follow.'"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:34, Fri 17 Mar 2023.

Ayrron rolled his eyes. “Ahh….the ‘stag’ story - one of his favourites.” he groaqned

The bard laughed a little when Ayrron introduced her to Goldmoon, a most intriguing name, and she smiled broadly. "I see you are still as flattering, you little charmer. You say you were attacked by goblins? That is certainly an interesting tale to listen to. Vailin and I were "inspected" by Seeker, looking for any long handled stick or wooden handled instrument, saying they are looking for a "holy artefact". I offered to detect magic, to help them out, but they didn't accept it. It almost came to a fight too, they were so narrow-minded. Tika, I will take a glass of wine with the sausage and potatoes, please. I will need energy if I am to perform tonight. "

Ayrron lost his smile at what Aelina spoke of in the inspection, a slight glance towards the woman, but recovered quickly and smiled. “You know me Ael….i love to talk - sometimes too much. But was to Goldmoon’s story, I’ll let here tell it as we don’t know much other than saving her from some goblins and a big hobgoblin who ran away faster than an rabbit in a fox warren”

He crossed his arms and looked at the others. “But first things first…a serious matter.” He frowned at the woman. “…have you put on a but of weight? Because you look a little more ‘voluptious’ than when i saw you last.” The kender had a grin on his face and twinkle of mischief in his eye.

Vailin was hungry and for once he had coin so ordered a hearty meal.  "The soldiers were doing their job.  Following constricting orders to the best of their ability.  Their frustration was no doubt enhanced by having to follow such rigourous orders.  I know I have been their exact position.  Everyone challenging you and you know many of them are right.  But it doesn't matter.  You have your orders."

It was the most Vailin had spoken most of the day and he surprised himself.  Maybe he was being too generous to the Seekers but he'd had too many incidents of having to follow orders he didn't agree with.

"Seekers?" Goldmoon asked in her accented common.  "What is it they seek?"

On the stage, the old man continued his story.  "For many days and nights, Huma followed the stag, his hunger and weakness growing with each step.  But Huma stood true to his heart and did not attack the beast.  Eventually, the stag lead Huma to his safety and his homeland, and he gave great thanks to the god Paladine, who had sent the stag as a guide."

"Paladine?" one of the children said dubiously.  "I've never heard of a god called Paladine.  Are you sure he's a real god?"

The old man's eye twinkled.  "He is indeed.  A very old god, from long ago, before man turned away from the gods."

At this point in time, Tika returned to the table, carrying a plate full of sizzling sausages and warm flat bread, with a block of salty white cheese on a smaller plate.  In the other hand she carried a bowl of stew.  Chunks of meat could be seen in the thick broth, with potatoes and carrot, and the smell of garlic and bongleberry wafted over the table as she set it down.  "Just a tick, and I'll be back with the potatoes and the wine."

The kender smiled as the food came, and at the old man's mention of Paladine, he frowned. He recognized the name, but couldn't place it. "Gods help me, if i have to ask him about that name later, he will NEVER stop talking"

"My da said that gods turned away from us, an' tha's why the Cataclysm happened," one of the other children -- this one a girl with dark hair done up in pigtails and a smattering of freckles across her nose -- said.

"How does he know then?" the old man countered, a little irritation creeping into his voice.  "Was he there?  Only the oldest of the elves could remember the day the fiery mountain fell upon Krynn, and most of those perished in the years that followed."

At this moment, Tika returned once more, this time bearing a tray loaded with small cubed and fried potatoes, drizzled with a pair of sauces -- one creamy white smelling strongly of garlic, and a smokey red sauce that tickled your noses, promising a delicious and pervasive heat to follow.  Otik's spiced fried potatoes were legendary around Solace, and the smell brought back memories.

Goldmoon, who had been quiet to this point, looked over at the stage and the children gathered round, a sad expression on her face.  Suddenly she sat upright.  "My staff," she said, seeing the weapon leaning against the fireplace.  Apparently she had left it behind when Ayrron "rescued" her from the old man.

Stories of the old gods had always fascinated Valik. Ogres believed in gods that differed from most of the other races, as theirs was a society based on powerful tyrants with near god-like power and authority over their people. Valik's family was not entirely of ogre origin, however, and those humans in his line had passed on stories and traditions of their own. Stories that included the gods of men, of dwarves, and others. When Valik had decided to break from his clan and forge a path of his own, it was the stories his mother had told him that inspired him to follow through and to keep pushing for a new place to call home, to start a new life for himself. He -

His thoughts were interrupted when Goldmoon pointed out the staff, and Valik rose and made for the fireplace, to retrieve it for her.

Vailin was not interested in the talk of gods.  He hadn't been raised in a very religious family.  He saw the 'old gods' as more history than anything else.  Two things peaked his interest though.  The mention of the Seekers and Goldmoon's staff.  His ears and eyes focused on both of these.

Valik got to his feet and moved, threading his bulk between the tightly packed chairs and tables until he reached the relatively open area closer to the stage.  The drunk man stood up.  "Blashphemy!" he cried, pointing a finger in the general direction of the old storyteller.  "Liesh!  I'll bring you before the counshil!"

After half a moment, he seemed become aware of Valik's presence, and he cranes his neck sideways and then up, leaning back against the table as he looked at the nearly eight foot tall goliath.  "Oh, you're a big one," he said stupidly.

Ayrron closed his eyes with a groan. "Even after all these years, trouble finds him more than it does me."

He stood up and looked at the drunk. "Leave him be - he's an old man telling stories to children!"

Valik looked down at the drunk, breathing a quick huff out through his nose to clear the smell of the man's breath from his nostrils. A bit of a burning sensation lingered, that only time would clear. Valik first considered ignoring the man's comment, but if the drunken fool was going to drag an old man before a council for telling stories, then perhaps a distraction would suit the situation better.

Valik glanced over at Ayrron and motioned his head toward the staff, hoping his agile little friend could wiggle through the crowd and get to Goldmoon's staff more easily than he had, while he dealt with the drowner.

He looked back to the drunken fool, "Bah, a story never hurt anybody. Here," Valid motioned for Tika to come over, "lets you and I have a drink, and I can tell you all about the view from up here."

The man brushed off Valik's attempt to appease him.  "Curropting our youths!" he swore.  "Call the guardsh!"

He turned to look back at the door, as if to see if the guards had magically appeared in the doorway, over-balanced, and fell against Valik's chest.  He shoved at Valik with both hands, saying "Unhand me!  Don't you know who I am?  I'm the High Theo-"

His words were cut off as his heel stepped on the back of his robe.  His balance gone, he stumbled backwards and fell -- directly into the fireplace!  The alcohol-soaked robes caught ablaze instantly, turning the man into a living torch!

Aelina had been listening to the old man's stories, some of them reminding her of her studies and travels, but he seemed to have details she had never heard before. When Goldmoon panicked about her staff, after hearing the bard account of their encounter on the road, and seeing Valik get stopped on the way there by the drunk seeker, she sensed an opportunity. Raising, she moved towards the old man, putting herself between him and the hostile seekers table. "Now we wouldn't want to put this kind story teller to the question, wouldn't we? He simply tells a folk's tale to curious children, an activity as old as when the first elves learned to speak. But since it offends some in the audience, I propose to keep those tales for another... more appropriate time. Who would like to hear the song of the farstrider, that wished he could walk to the moons? " She winked to the old man, mouthing "later" only for him to see, and with a bardic flourish, got her lute in her hand, plucking a simple tempo on the instrument. "Or would you prefer that I sing the ballad of Isabella, the forever scorned maiden? You decide!", she said, calling the title of a popular drinking song.

Just then, the drunken Seeker started to be physical with Valik, only ending up falling in the fireplace and catching fire! Strumming a quick rhythm for her spell, the bard casted a spell to extinguish the flames on the man's robes.

Cast prestidigitation to extinguish small fires

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  arcana.

This message was last edited by the player at 10:13, Thu 30 Mar 2023.

Confused, then shocked, then horrified, Valik went to grab the man by the legs to pull him out. Avoiding the flames himself was difficult, and the man's understandable flailing about was not helping matters.

00:33, Today: Valik rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Athletics.

Aelina's nimble fingers strummed through the quick scale of notes -- the very first one she had ever learned in the Tower -- the one initiates like herself learned to put out small candles.  This was no small candle, but the principle was the same.  She put more of herself -- her Gift -- into the cantrip, and watched in satisfaction as the flames on the seeker's robes guttered out, even as Valik bent down to pull him out of the fireplace.

Valik tried to grab the seeker's legs but the man was thrashing about in panic, and one of his feet caught the goliath full in the face, breaking his nose.

OOC: Take 1 point of bludgeoning damage.

Despite the pain, Valik pulled the man out of the fireplace as the flames on his robes guttered out.  His hair was burned off, and the skin around his hands and face were a deep angry red, but he would survive.

As he was pulled free, the seeker, scrambled away from Valik and to his feet, wheezing "Guards!  Call the guards!  Arrest them!  Assaulting a High Theocrat!"  He reached for Goldmoon's staff.  "I'll take this as evidence!"

"No!  It is mine!  You cannot have it!" Goldmoon cried, and whacked him on the head rather ineffectually with the staff.

There was a flash of brilliant blue light, forcing everyone to close their eyes for a moment.  When the light faded, the seeker stood whole, unburned -- new pink skin covered areas which had been burned moments before.

"Look!  The blue crystal staff!" someone said from the watching crowd.

"It's here?!  It can't be here!  They said they'd arrest anyone caught harbouring it!"

The High Theocrat looked like he wanted to grab for the staff, but took another look at Valik's imposing form, and a glanced at Aelina, now obviously a magic user, and turned and ran.  "Guards!  Guards!" he called in a stronger voice as he started shoving his way through the crowd.

Tika appeared near the bar.  "You'd better go," she warned.  "It won't take him long to get reinforcements."

Valik pulled his hand down from his face, nose burning with pain and feeling as stopped up as if it were the heart of allergy season while dealing with a cold. A burning rage he had locked away long ago flared up inside him, and Valik fought the urge to pin the zealous bastard to the wall with metal spikes. Valik of Today and Valik of Old warred for control of his actions as his blood ran hot - right out from his nose and down his chin.

When the bastard called for guards, Old Valik gained an edge. When he reached for Goldmoon's staff, Valik of Old won out and he prepared to kill the man right there in the middle of the common room. The whip wouldn't do, a crossbow wasn't ideal in these crowded quarters, but Valik was fairly certain he could ram at least seven bolts through each of the fat muckdweller's eye sockets if he did them one at a time, and he reached for the bolt case at his belt.

Valik flinched back from the flash of blue light, and the sight of the man before him being healed brought Valik fully back into the present. Two years of wandering the world in search of any sign of miracles, divine magics, or true healing; and they returned empty handed only to stumble onto it right here where they had started the journey.

His voice muffled from the broken nose, Valik motioned for Goldmoon to come to him, "We need to go." He looked to his friends and added, "All the Seekers are selfish and corrupt. We'll get no justice here; we must leave." He glanced back at Goldmoon to be certain she was following, then pushed his own way toward the door to make a path for all the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

"Not that way!" Tika called out.  "Through the kitchen!"  She pointed to the closed door at the end of the bar.

Several customers of the Inn grumbled.  "And anyone who tells the guards will get no more service from me!" she said loudly.  The grumblings ceased.

"Go!" she said quietly, "before they get brave.  There's a bounty on that staff!"

Tika certainly knew more about the current situation and the Seekers' activities, than Valik himself did, so he took her advice and changed direction to head out through the kitchen.

The bard was pretty pleased with herself when she manage to extinguish the flames threatening the clumsy seeker, that took Valik's attempt to help as an attack, bloodying he goliath's nose with his uncoordinated drunken movements. He then started to call for guards and she frowned "How  typical, you help them and not a single thanks... Men..." She was about to pluck another dissonant chord, the trigger to make the man smell like a hog carcass left in the sun when the miraculous event with the staff occurred... all hell broke loose...

In a flurry of screams, exclamations and crowd shoving, the newcomer elf grabbed her staff and Tika directed her group of friends to the back of the inn, when she was still astonished to have seen what she had spent a year looking for, magical healing. It took her a few seconds to realize what was happening, before picking her things and following Goldmoon... there was no way in the nine hells that she was letting that woman and her staff out of her sight before she got answers!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Fri 31 Mar 2023.

Ayrron was on his feet the whole time, but for the first time in a while, the Kender was silent at the sight of the staff and what had happened.  Everyone knew he relished in mischief and chaos, but this was even beyond his scope.

Ayrron jumped down, grabbing what food he could and stuffing it in his pack, he went quickly to the others. "Gotta go....gotta go." He muttered, more serious than anyone had seen him. He placed a hand on goldmoon, his eyes soft and sincere. "We have to go - now.  Come."

He made his way through the kitchen, his hands snagging a loaf of bread and some meat on the way. "'Scuse me....coming through....ooohh, the boar smells great."

Vailin watched as events overtook him quickly.  The drunk Seeker falling into the fire, the ruckus with Valik.  The screaming for guards, and finally, the staff.  The staff that was being sought by the Seekers everywhere.

Shaking off his reverie he tried to decide what to do.  Support the Seeker or follow his friends.  In the end, he chose both in a way.  The staff needed to be returned to the Seekers.  Holding it would only get Goldmoon and those around her into more trouble.

His decision made, the young warrior rushed after the others.

As the five of you barreled through the kitchen door, you saw Otik standing to one side, clearly trying to stay out of the way.  Valik was first through the door, nearly pulling Goldmoon along behind him in a firm grip.  Goldmoon clutched her staff in shock and wonder.  The staff was already returning to its non-descript wooden appearance.

Aelina followed, sensing a story in the making.  Her mind already buzzing with questions, and she felt the familiar urge to know the truth.

Vailin was three steps behind, wrestling with the ramifications of their choices.  His instinct was to follow the law, but these were his friends -- and they'd done nothing wrong.  Surely this was a misunderstanding that could be sorted out once cooler heads prevailed.

Last was Ayrron, who'd stopped to stuff his pack just a little bit more with food.  The white flatbread served as a barrier and handle both for the sausages, which could fit in around the sides and sit on top of his pack -- just barely.  A couple more fit into the rolls of his bedroll, but then he had to move to catch up.

OOC: Ayrron manages to squeeze in one more ration into his pack, bringing the total to 11.

The kitchen was large, but most accounts -- there was room for two to work comfortably, three at the most.  A few kegs stood stacked in one corner, and a long wooden table dominated the centre of the room, with vegetables and raw meats in various staged of preparation.  Two pots boiled on the stove, and two pans sizzled -- one with bacon, the other with more of Otik's fried potatoes.

"Go!" he said, pointing to the back.

At the back of the room, a circular hole was cut into the floor, leading down into the darkened night of the Solace ground.  A circular wooden cover for the hole was stowed behind the stack of kegs, and a rope hung from a pulley mounted in the ceiling above the hole.

OOC: No roll here needed; you'd all be familiar with such a hole and its function.  This is how Otik gets supplies up into the kitchen, and how waste is disposed off.

Valik faced Goldmoon as he prepared to go down, "I'll go down first, do as I do. If you can't stow the staff and lower yourself safely, you can drop it down to me. I will not let it fall into anyone else's hands."

Valik moved to lower himself down, pausing as he did a double take on Vailin's expression. "This lone woman needs help, and protection. The Seekers have no rightful authority here, and I know tyranny when I see it. Hers is the side I've chosen."

He had hoped for an opportunity to discuss everyone's findings from their journeys, but circumstances had robbed of that for the time being. The immediate future was going to prove interesting, and likely difficult.

With a great number of things now on his mind that he'd not anticipated, Valik made his way down.

"You don't just pick 'sides' like this is a game of football" growled Vailin.  "There is right and wrong.  So far all I see is someone evading the law, wether you recognise its authority or not. . ."

"But out of respect for our friendship, and my trust in your judgement, I will give Goldmoon a chance to explain herself, when things are settled."

Vailin stopped talking, knowing they all needed to hurry.  He waited for the others to drop through the hole before coming up the rear.



Athletics: 14
This message was last edited by the player at 08:30, Sun 02 Apr 2023.

The bard nimbly stowed her lute when the men discussed of the situation with Goldmoon, noting with interest how the staff changed apparence. Looking at the door, she also removed her telltale red cloak and stuffed it in her bag, knowing how it could get caught in the rope and how changing one small thing could throw off a pursuit looking for visual clues. "I don't know how I feel about the seekers making the law out here, or if they should. But what I do know is that there is a mystery here, and if the seekers get their greedy hands on Goldmoon and her staff, they will bury them so deep that we'll never know the truth. And that, my friends, must be the ultimate equalizer. Good and evil, chaos and law, they will always twist the narrative for their ends. Truth should be the goal here. And we won't find it standing around."

She placed herself to go down the rope after the intriguing lass.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 17 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 18.  athletic .
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Sun 02 Apr 2023.

Ayrron, his back on his back followed last, and caught the discussion. His look was one of impatience and frustration. "Seekers or not, people seek power to gain an upper hand over others. Warlords, kings, wizards - does it matter?"

He straightened his pack and nodded at Valik. "I for don't know why they seek this thing, but i do know this woman needed help, and if it's her charge to look after this staff, then it's hers. The seekers....the law tries to take it, thats as good as stealing." He looked at Vailin. "Laws of men often lie in people of power. trust tour instinct Vailin, and if not, trust US!"

He looked at Aelina. "Law, chaos. Good, evil.....it's all perspective. But truth - that is worth fighting for." He nodded at the woman. "Now....maybe we can find a quiet place to ask Goldmoon here what's led to this before, oh i don't know an army of seekers come to hang us up like smoked fish!"

He then made his way down the street.

Vailin wasn't interested in being lectured on law by the kender whose very nature embraced chaos.  Besides they were in a hurry and he was not letting the sorcerer act as rearguard.

Without waiting for Arryon to finish the young fighter grabbed the rope, pushed it into the kender's grip and shoved him out into the hole.

Ayrron was unprepared as Vailing put the rope in his hands and shoved him over the hole.  With a cry, the kender fell several feet, the course rope shredding the skin on his hands until he could stop himself.

OOC: Ayrron takes 3 points of physical damage.

Grabbing the rope himself, Vailin followed, descending the rope swiftly.  At the bottom, the noise of the Inn above them was muted, allowing the five of them to hear booted steps and the clanking of metal armour running on the walkways above.

Tika's red-capped head appears in the opening above them.  "Don't go home," she urged.  "That's the first place they'll check!"

Vailin slid down the rope as quickly as he could in his armour.  When they hit the bottom he waited for the instigators of this foolish crusade to decide where they were going.

"If they don't find us in our homes, they'll keep looking in others." Valik thought for a moment, "Seekers are after the staff here, and they call Haven their home, which lies to the south. When Ayrron and I met Goldmoon, she was being attacked by hobgoblins patrolling the northern roads, who were also after the staff."

"Which leaves us going west, toward Crystalmir Lake and the Sentinel Peaks. The woods offer some protection, the mountains even more. Or, we could go east, toward the land of the Plainsmen," he looked at Goldmoon, feeling as though he knew her answer to east.

Aelina had landed lightly, surprising herself with her display down the rope. Moving out of the way for Ayrron and Vailin, she listened to Valik explanation of their options, nodding. "Let us not forget that seekers put barrages on the roads, we'll need to avoid those. You the the woodsman Valik, lead the way!"

"I..."  Goldmoon didn't seem to know how to respond.  "My people are many days' journey from here.  I... cannot go back there.  Not yet.  I must figure out what this means."  She brandished the staff.

"But I do not know these woods.  I do not know which way to go from here."

His suspicions confirmed, Valik began to lead the group west, "I know the way."

Knowing the guards would be called soon, Valik lead the group to the west at the pace of a purposeful walk. They needed to move too quickly to be quiet, but slow enough to not draw attention to themselves. Once they got a ways into the woods, they could throw some caution aside in favor of speed.

It wasn't long before the hue and cry went up for the direction in which they'd come.  Multiple sets of voices could be heard -- from above them in the trees at first, then to the south, and to the north.  Most disturbingly, the voices from the north sounded suspiciously like goblin-kin, and they were closing in fast.

Valik continued to move, but hearing goblinoid voices had certainly gotten his attention. Men were allying with goblins and their kin? And Seekers, no less? This was becoming less and less the welcome home he had expected, by the second.

Hearing their descriptions shared, Valik picked up the pace to get out of easy sight, then changed to moving more stealthily. They needed to get out of easy sight, then he would whip the horse and put some distance between them and the town.

23:19, Today: Valik rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Sun 16 Apr 2023.

Vailin continued to serve as rearguard, ensuring nobody fell behind and trying to listen for pursuit.  Unlike Valik, he did not try to remain quiet.  His armour tended to negate any attemps at being subtle.

<OOC: @Vailin - you do not know that Ayrron is a sorcerer.....he has never shown any magic within the group's presence (Other than @Valik at the beginning meeting Goldmoon)>


Ayrron was not ready for the fast decent, and fell on his back with a loud thump. His hands red raw, le was getting up with a look of anger on his face as Vailin came down. "You could have warned me!' He muttered as he stood, flexing his hands.

With the brief discussion, the group followed Valik. The kender trusted the goliath's skills and followed behind, rubbing his hands. "Next time i'll hel you out of the tree's" He muttered looking at Vailin

DM ROLL: Guard troops rolled 15,1,17 using d20,d20,d20-1 with rolls of 15,1,18.

Following Valik's lead, the group headed west, quickly passing over the road leading through Solace.  The guards behind them were soon left behind, with two voices arguing over which direction the five of them had gone.  But this was small comfort as more voices picked up from the north and the south, approaching quickly from both directions.

OOC: You've managed to lose the guard troop coming down from the trees (they rolled the natural 1).  They're now behind you to the east.  From the south you hear the sound of armour and boots, moving quickly.  Probably guards.

From the north, you hear more feet, moving faster -- and mixed among them goblin speech.

Aelina followed the silent goliath as well as she could, but sounds coming from the north and south were not encouraging, those two groups closing in on the fleeing companions. Raking her brain for a solution, she smiled and put her hand in her pocket, fishing for the component for her favorite cantrip. With a hand gesture, the loud sound of someone tripping and falling down on the forest floor was suddenly heard 30 feet behind them. "That was me, go go go, it might buy us some time!"

Using minor illusion to create the sound, it might attract the pursuing groups to fight each other XD. Minor illusion does not need a verbal component. 

DM ROLL: DM rolled 15, (6,18), 3 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20-1 with rolls of 15,6,18,4.

The tower-trained bard clutched the bit of fleece in her pouch, feeling the comfortable and familiar texture between her fingers.  Rubbing the fleece against itself, she felt the fibers scrape over each other, heard the whisper of sound the motion created, and seized it with her talent.  She fed the sound back over itself, letting it warp and twist until it matched her desired form, then released it into the dark of the woods behind her.

Suddenly, a clattering of armour and the scattering of many fallen leaves sounded behind them.  The sound of the goblins to the north paused momentarily, then erupted into cheers and shouts as they accelerated.  The snapping of bowstrings was heard in the mix.  To the south, echoing cries rallied up, with a single voice rising above them.  "The staff!  The staff!  Bring me the staff!"

"I think it's set them on our trail instead! Time for haste!" Knowing stealth was no longer an option, their only hope now was to outrun or outsmart their pursuers.

Well, that or kill them. Vailin won't like it...

Valik pushed on through the wood, toward Crystalmir.

09:55, Today: Valik rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Athletics.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Tue 18 Apr 2023.

Ayrron winced at the illusion and it's result, and when the arrows started flying, he set off at a run. Wether fear or something else, the young kender set off like a flash, grabbing the elf. "C'mon....time to go!"

---

<OOC: Ayrron rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  athletics check.>

Vailin did his best to keep up but his armour had him lagging behind.  He continued to serve as rearguard, his shield out to protect from attacks, but as he focused more behind than front his distance from the others increased.

Athletics: 8

The bard started running, hoping Valik's prediction would not become true but that her illusion would distract and confuse their pursuit.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 16 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 17.  athletic .

As they ran, Ayrron fiddled with something in a pouch, and pulled out a small leather pouch with some metal contraption on top. "Please work." he muttered as he dropped it as vailin (the last of the group passed, and kept running.

A few seconds later, a small 'pop' sounded and the Kender looked back and smiled as the parcel exploded with a thick grey/brown goop covered the area.

He kept running.

---

<OOC: Casts Grease Between the group and the enemy in hopes to slow them>

DM ROLL: Guards rolled 18 using 1d20+1 ((17)).  Dex Save passed.

The sounds of booted footfalls and clanking armour faded, but did not diminish entirely.  At least one group of guards was still on the group's tail as Valik lead them to the shores of Crystalmir Lake.  Overhead, the silver moon of Lunitari shone weakly down on the lake, with the red moon tinging the water with just a hint of red.

Goldmoon stopped just behind Valik as their boots hit the water's edge.  "What now?  Surely they are right behind us?!" she said in a hushed whisper.

OOC: You've bought some time with your antics, but have not shaken pursuit entirely.  What would you like to do?

Valik looked at Aelina, "Our best bet would be a boat, so they cannot follow easily. Following the shore to the south and west will take us to the mountains, our second best option. Otherwise, we fight; unless your magic knows a better solution. Your eyes are better than all of ours in this darkness, Aelina, you may see something we do not."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Sun 23 Apr 2023.

The half-elf would have liked more time to think but there was none. She looked south, and with a word a cat materialize at her feet. "I don't see a boat so south might be our best bet. Shakra, run north and make as much noise running in the bushes as you can... no meowing! I'll call you back. Valik, I can try to put those guards to sleep but I can't guarantee I would catch them all and that would mean figthing the rest. Follow me!"

With a gesture, she created the illusion of some footprints going north, as the familliar ran in the bushes to make them rustle, the bard leading the party south throught the clearest path she could see.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 14,0 using 1d20+3,1d20-2 with rolls of 11,2.  perception. familliar charisma.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Mon 24 Apr 2023.

With a muffled chirrup sound, Shakra vanished into the bushes.  Aelina turned and led the way along the lakeshore, heading southward.  Whether Shakra's antics had any success or not, it was hard to say, but the guards on their tail seemed to still be there whenever she listened for them.

Maybe a hundred meters down the lakeshore, Aelina spotted a pair of shapes in the darkness.  Overturned on the beach lay a pair of rowboats -- fishermens' vessels, no doubt.

Overhead, thunder rolled.  The wind began to pick up, and clouds could be seen blotting out the night sky.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:56, Mon 24 Apr 2023.

Ayrron kept pace, but grimaced at the sound of the men. "What the hells are they - part bloodhound?"

As the shapes were seen, he picked up speed.

Without stopping, the bard pointed to the shapes "There are some boats ahead, I'm not sure we have time to launch them before those pursuing us reach us though... and that sky is not promising for a boat ride... Valik, your call on this one!"

Realizing her ploy with Shakra had obviously failed, she mentally sent the cat back in the pocket dimension that was it's home.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Tue 25 Apr 2023.

"Get to the boats. It saves the most lives." Valik's height made him one of the better equipped for flipping over boats, so he followed Aelina's direction to find them and do just that.

He would protect Goldmoon, no matter how many had been sent after her. The story of the staff, they had yet to hear, but he would keep her from harm and arrest. Killing goblins and their kin did not bother Valik, he'd seen what their kind were capable of, especially when following the orders of others and feeling no responsibility for their actions. He was all too familiar with that story.

If it was men and elves that came, Valik hoped for as little killing as possible. He was no stranger to killing people, but it was a part of his life he had left behind and had no particular desire to return to. He would, but he hoped he wouldn't need to.

Ayrron ran beside Valik with a grim look on his face. "As long as it saves ours, thats fine." He muttered

Aelina was not strong enough to help with flipping the boats right side up so she did the next best thing, where her darkvision was well suited, looking for the oars.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  perception. Not very good

Vailin eyed the boats dubiously, partly because he didn't like the idea of stealing boats, but moreso because he worried about a capsizing boat while wearing more than fifty pounds of chain mail!

Still the safety of his friends took priority.  He could make reparations later.

"Any idea who is behind?  I have no issue making a stand against raiders or monsters but would rather involve a fight with the Seekers.  The latter we should take the boats.  All of them."

"Seekers from the town, goblinoids from the northern patrols." Valik paused for a short moment to listen, "I have not heard the goblins for a time; we may have lost them. The Seekers still come."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Fri 28 Apr 2023.

Working together, the boats were easily overturned and pushed into the shallow water.  Aelina and Vailin got into one boat, while Ayrron and Valik got into the other, the water level perilously close to the hull as the goliath climbed in.  Goldmoon climbed into the boat with Aelina and Valin just as the seeker guards who had been chasing them broke the treeline, running for the shore.

"Stop!  In the name of the law you are ordered to stop!" one of the guards shouted as they drew closer.

Two of the guards stopped, drew longbows, and loosed a pair of arrows, which arced overhead to splash into the water.  Two more of the guards, armed with spears, continued racing down the beach.

ROLL: Guard 1 rolled 11 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((15,10)).
ROLL: Guard 2 rolled 6 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((5, natural 20)).

---

OOC: Who's rowing each boat?  If you use your action to row the boat, it'll move 30 feet each round.  This leaves the other person(s) in the boat to perform other actions.

If you row for 5 rounds, you'll be far enough from the shore to be safe from bowshot.  While you're in the boat, you have half cover (+2 AC).  If you lie down in the boat, you'll have three quarters cover (+5 AC).  Hope none of the guards have sharpshooter...

Ayrron ducked down as Valik got in the boat and started rowing. the kender hadn't the strength to help, so he crouched town to stay safe. With his pack and Hoopak in the bottom, he looked at Valik. "Hope your feeling strong? I'll keep cover, though i'd rather not hurt any of the fools unless they push it."

---

<OOC: Will crouch down in the boat (AC+5, making his AC 19)

If anyone is injured, he will attack with firebolt>

Struggling to balance in his chain mail, Vailin was happy to take a set of oars.  The rhythmic pulling of the blades in time helped him drown out the voices.  "Stop in the name of the law."  Never would he expect to hear that said about him.  Why was he doing this?  Should he stop this before it got out of control?

For now the young human let his heart overrule his head and kept stroking powerfully.



Athletics: 19
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Fri 28 Apr 2023.

Valik spoke to Arryon, "Use me as cover if you need to. If they keep firing, insult their archers. See if you can keep them focused on us."

Valik took up the oars and put his long limbs to use.

The bard got her lute out to pluck a calm rythm and started singing
"Now hear my lullaby,
Calm your mind, baby,
Listen to my lullaby,
Stop running and sleep, baby"

With a hand flourish, she pointed at the men on the shore, targeting the archers first.

"That should give us a few moments. Don't worry, I didn't hurt them, they will only have a nice nap, perfect for calming excited little boys."

cast sleep for 21 HP, I would have like higher rolls, but its average.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 21 using 5d8 with rolls of 5,2,4,4,6.  sleep.

Aelina's song, soft as it was, rung out clearly in the night sky.  She felt the magic swell up inside her, take root in the song she sung, and then sail forth.  When it reached its destination, it exploded into tiny winking motes of light, such as a hooded lantern with hundred of tiny pinprick holes in the hood, often used to lull small children to sleep.

The two bowmen staggered for a step, then dropped to one knee, before laying down their bows and curling up on the beach.  If was impossible to see at this distance what the guard captain was doing, but his voice range out.  "Get up you lazy fools!  They're getting away!  You down there -- don't try to swim out to them -- you think you're going to catch up while they're rowing?  Bloody shoot them!"

Aelina could see just at the edge of her darkvision -- the two guardsman on shore thrust their spears into the sand, and drew longbows, aimed and loosed.

ROLL: Guard 3 rolled 13 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((12,15)).
ROLL: Guard 4 rolled 6 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((5, 12)).

Both arrows splashed into the water a fair distance away from either boat.

Ayrron looked on as the spell took effect and smiled. "I wonder if i could make something that had a simular effect....maybe certain frequencies -" He stopped talking and shook his head, frowning. "Focus Ayrron, Focus!"

Vailin was relieved to see Aelina using a non-damaging method of thwarting their pursuit.  Even though the guards were shooting at them he honestly couldn't fault them in their duty.  He continued his brisk rowing pace, hoping to get them out of bowshot range before someone was forced to make a permanent decision.

OLL: Guard 3 rolled 8 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((7,8)).
ROLL: Guard 4 rolled 7 using 2d20+1 with disadvantage (dark) ((6, natural 20)).

Two more arrows winged out from the darkness of the shore as Valik and Vailin pulled on their oars with powerful strokes.  Both arrows splashed harmlessly into the water, and then the little boats were out beyond any hope of eyesight -- even Aelina's darkvision could no longer make out the distant shore.

Thunder rolled to the east of them, back towards Solace.  Goldmoon looked up to the sky, and gasped.  "The stars," she breathed, her voice one of someone who does not understand what they are seeing.

OOC: Perception vs DC:10 to see what she sees.  Advantage if you have proficiency in survival.

Ayrrton stood up and smiled as they got out of eyeshot of the men. "Couldn't hit the ass of a tarrasque if it sat on them." she said, slapping Valik on the shoulder.

He hear the woman gasp, and frowned, then looked to the sky.  All color drained from his face as he realized what he was looking at. "Oh.....not good, not good at all!"

He looked at Valik. "Get us to shore.....now." He looked at teh other boat. "Vailin...follow us, and quick." He pointed up.

"....there are stars missing from the sky"

"What -- back the way we came?!" Goldmoon said in alarm.  "Surely they will be waiting for us?!"

The kender shook his head. "No....forward. Maybe tehre is an island ahead, if not, we put ashore on the otehr side a way."

He looked at the elf. "...you see what i do?" He asked

Vailin did not respond to Ayrron's 'suggestions' though he did envision giving the kender another shove.  He kept rowing strongly away from shore.  They needed to break sight range as well as bow range before they could consider changing course.  He spared a glance at Valik but kept his boat moving at a swift steady pace.

At the kender warning, the half elf looked to what he was describing, while also looking for some sort of shore they could use.

Today: Secret Roll: Aelina rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  perception.

Thunder cracked and then rolled to the east, and storm clouds began obscuring the sky (and the missing constellations).  Fat raindrops began to fall, promising a torrential downpour to come.

OOC: You guys are out on Crystalmir Lake.  It's a very large lake to the west of Solace.  The road runs alongside the the lakeshore north and south.  To the west of the lake are the Sentinel Peak mountains.  You would all know there are caves you could shelter in for the night.  The road north leads up and through the Sentinel Peak mountains, then down towards Haven and Qualinesti.  The road south leads to Gateway, then to you could divert west towards Haven, or continue south to New Ports.

Valik glanced up at the stars, seeing that they were pin-pricks of light just as they always had been. Whatever it was Goldmoon had seen, it surely could not have been so urgent as arrows being loosed at them. "Rusting blades! I'm rowing as quickly as the water and oars allow. If you w-" Valik paused the rowing long enough to spare a glance back at the kender, then up to the sky again, "What do you mean, 'the stars are gone'? They're right there." Valik jerked his chin up toward the sky, having no idea why in the world Arryon could not see what was right in front of his face.

Valik glanced at Vailin as he continued to pull the oars. He kept his voice low, knowing it would carry in the stillness and quiet of the night, "The rain will slow them, give us more time time. We'll take shelter in the caves, and wait out the storm. They have no hope of catching up to us on foot. Haven is the seat of Seekers' power, and must be avoided. The elves of Qualinost would likely turn us away, if not kill us outright for stepping foot into their woods. We can decide once we've reached the shelter of the caves."


12:19, Today: Valik rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Perception

The kender remained silent, but just nodded at Valik's words....he was deep in thought as he looked at Goldmoon

...she may have some answers.

The promised storm rolled in quickly, turning from a gentle scattering to a steady drizzle within minutes.  Valik and Vailing continued to row the boats, heading for the western edge of Crystalmir Lake.  By the time they'd reach the half-way point, that steady drizzle had progressed into a torrential downpour.  Water streamed in everyone's faces, thunder shook the sky directly overhead, and lightning flashed between the clouds.  Everyone was drenched and looked rather pitiful by the time Valik found a cave with an opening far enough from the lake to be safe from any floods, yet low enough that they wouldn't have to climb up wet rocks to reach it.

With some difficulty, the five of you dragged the rowboats into the mouth of the cave, where they acted as something of a shield from the wind and rain.

The cave was deep and dark, but had clearly been used many times in the past -- a fire circle was already laid out, with stones marking the border to keep any fire contained.

OOC: What would you like to do?

Aelina wore her cloak when the rain started, trying to shelter the others as she could without causing instability in the boat. When Valik found the cave with its fire circle she chimed in "If we can hide the light from a fire from the entrance of the cave, I can light it. I do not see any firewood in here. If someone has some torches we can use that for a starter to get some heat, but it will not replace logs. I do not have any."

Ayrron was quiet the whole trip in the boat, and even the walk up to the cave, despite him slipping.  the odd glance skyward and to Goldmoon was indications of any other movement. You had never seen a kender (And especially Ayrron) so focused and quiet - perhaps his time away had given him a new focus that most kender did not have, but you believe the night's actions was to blame.

When he got there, he began pacing, mumbling to himself as he paced back and fourth. When Aelina spoke, he looked up, and nodded, reaching into the pack, removed a bundle of torches, then began again to pace.

it was minutes, when he stopped, and looked at Goldmoon. "What do you know? What in the nine hells can blot out stars - constelations from the sky in one night? Two of them."

He looked at her and sat down. He saw the confusion on their faces, and shook his head. Do none of you study....really!" He pointed to the roof of the cave. "Tonight there were two constellations missing, several stars all at once.  The two known as 'the shining warrior' and 'the queen of darkness'."

He looked at the woman. "Finding you, the staff and now this - they are bound to be connected. Now, Goldmoon, tell us what you know."

Valik looked Arryon the same as he would an annoying, drunk friend who felt the need to run their mouth. "She holds a staff, so clearly she's responsible for you not being able to see some stars? I would need to be nine tankards in before that logic started to make any sense. You made fire shoot from a stick earlier. Maybe it's your fault, hmm?"

Damn kender imaginations. "She's the one who brought the stars to your attention in the first place, and she was even more surprised than you. Maybe a few arrows and some time on the water have rattled your wits."

Goldmoon shook her head and sat on one of the stones around the makeshift firepit.  "I... am not a teller of tales." she looked over at Aelina.

"But if your friend here will play, I can sing..."

When Aelina had taken out her lute, the plainswoman began to sing softly, her rich voice filling the cave, the rain outside acting as a screen to keep the performance intimate.  Her voice was melancholic and raw with emotion.

"The grasslands are endless, and summer sings on,
And Goldmoon the princess loves a poor man's son.
Her father the Chieftain, makes long roads between them.
The grasslands are endless, and summer sings on."

The grasslands are waving, thesky's rim is grey.
The Chieftain sends Rinverwind east and away.
To search for strong magic, at the lip of the morning
The grasslands are waving, the sky's rim is grey.

O Riverwind, where have you gone?!
O Riverwind, Autumn comes on.
I sit by the river and look to the sunrise
But the sun rises over the mountains alone."

Goldmoon's voice broke for a moment, but she gathered herself and sang on.

The grasslands are fading, the summer wind dies.
He comes back, the dark of stones in his eyes.
He carries a blue staff, as bright as a glacier.
The grasslands are fading, the summer wind dies.

The grasslands are fragile, as yellow as flame.
Chieftain makes mockery of Riverwind's claim
He orders the people to stone the young warrior
The grasslands are fragile, as yellow as flame.

The grasslands are faded, Autumn is here.
The princess joins her lover, the stones whistle near.
The staff flares with blue light, the girl she does vanish
The grasslands are faded, Autumn is here.

O Riverwind, where have you gone?!
O Riverwind, Winter comes on.
I sit by the river and look to the sunrise
But the sun rises over the mountains alone."

When her song was finished, Goldmoon took the staff in her hands and stared at it as if were the answer to all her prayers -- or the source of all her nightmares.  "My father never wanted Riverwind to return.  I was a goddess among my people, and he was far beneath me.  His family were nearly outcasts -- they refused to accept the divinity of my family's line, and held to some old forgotten gods.  When Riverwind sought my father's blessing to court me, he set him an impossible task: the quest forth and return with proof of his old gods."

"He was gone for many weeks.  When he returned, he was feverish and deranged, speaking of a sunken city at the edge of the world, and death on black wings.  He collapsed at the edge of our camp.  Even in his state, he held tight on the staff and would not release it.  I nursed him back to health.  When he was well, he presented the staff to my father as proof of the old gods.  He said a blue woman had given him the staff, cured his wounds with it, and bade him carry it out of the sunken city."

"My father commanded the staff to do something.  Anything which would prove Riverwind's claim.  Nothing happened.  Incensed, believing that Riverwind was making a fool of him, My father ruled the young warrior an outcast, and ordered he be stoned to death.  I... I could not let this happen.  As they began to throw stones, I ran out to Riverwind his staff in my hand.  As I reached him, a rock struck my temple.  I fell.  There was a blinding flash of blue light, and when I came to, I was in the forest, being chased by goblins!"

Ayrron ignored Valik's claims, but instead focused on the woman with an even glare.  The gaze softened to one of pity and sorrow as she sang and spoke of her tale, and he sat there listening.

Ayrron was not one to believe the old gods - his beliefs were in what he made. Peolle claimed what he did was a mockery of magic, but it proved that even a man (or in this case, a kender) could do the impossible.

But what this woman spoke of gave him thought. Goldmoon's lover went out for proof of the gods, and came back, and even if it didn't work for goldmoon's father, it may have for Goldmoon.

He scratched his neck. "You said you come from an ancient divine line - how so?"

Vailin remained close to the cave's edge, though still within earshot.  The cave was the most logical place for the Seekers to look for them and he wasn't convinced they'd abandon the hunt, even for bad weather.  They wanted the staff and they would come for it.  The question was, did they have any right to it.  If Goldmoon's story was true then they likely had no rightful claim.

He caught Vailik's eye.  "The storm is unlikely to discourage them. If we remain we will need to be on the move before first light.  I'll take first watch."

Goldmoon shrugged.  "It has always been the way among my people," she said.  "For generations, our tribe has accepted its leaders as gods and goddesses.  While my father lives, he is the embodiment of Tso'hanoa'i, the god of the sun.  When his mortal shell passes on, that divine radiance will pass to me, and I will become the embodiment of Ton'enil'i, the goddess of the rain.  So it has always been, and so we have always believed."

"Riverwind -- he saw me differently, as no one else had.  Not as a goddess-to-be, but as a woman."

Ayrron sat down and sighed, taking out some tools and metal, and absently tinkering. "People sometimes can't see the truth of a person, only what is expected of them." The kender smiled, holding his hands out wide. I'm a good example of that....My race is known to be less morale and light of finger with belongings."

He shrugged. "...and while that is mostly true, there are kneder who are beyond that. My aunt was a healer, using herbs and liquids. She lived a simple life and never took from anyone - in fact she would heal a poor person just so they could live. She once went hungry for days after giving the last of her food to some orphans." He began tinkering again.

"Now....i'm not saying i've taken things that don't belong to me, because i have. But i have a code - never take from someone who is in need.....the poor or the workers. The most i have taken is food, morsels at best."

He fell silent as he worked. "it wasn't always the way, but since i met Master Grannak, he taught me that making something is far more enriching than taking it."

He held up his hand, a small crystal cube with what looked like metal and a green liquid. He smiled as he tapped it, a soft green light coming from it. "I feel for you, but if that staff has a link to the old gods, then the fact it moved you means you too may have some divine blood, and it chose you." He sighed.

"....i think you may be what we've been looking for."

"I had intended to take the staff to Haven," Goldmoon said.  "To seek the council of the wise men there.  Now, I am not sure what to do with it."

After the unlikely duo's song, Aelina started a small fire with the torches provided and magic. It wasn't much but it did cut some of the humidity off the atmosphere. Ayrron animated the discussion and she smiled when he told Goldmoon about the kindly old gnome that had trained him. She had some lessons from him too, but her talent proved to be elsewhere.

"I have learned how to determine the magical properties of an object, if you will allow me, we could know now what Riverwind found"

With her permission, ritual cast identify on the staff
This message was last edited by the player at 09:02, Fri 05 May 2023.

Ayrron looked at Goldmoon and nodded. "I can't speak for the otehrs, but whatever you do, i will help how i can."

She looked at Aelina and nodded. "If you can, it may help, but be careful - it sounded like the staff was a bit unpredictable."

The spell was one of the more difficult ones a new mage was taught at the Tower.  As Aelina examined the staff, she hummed a tune, feeling how the magic within the staff resonated, felt how the music wrapped itself around the staff, how it vibrated in harmony -- and how and where it clashed discordantly.  The process was lengthy, and intense, and in the end, she wasn't sure whether her answers reassured her, or gave her more cause for concern.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:53, Fri 05 May 2023.

Vailin, who took the role of keeping watch seriously, still found his attention drawn to the process.  Both out of curiosity and concern.  Years of military discipline was the only thing that kept him quiet, letting the work continue undisturbed.

Valik nodded his agreement to Vailin, "It will slow them, buy us time to recover, and for Goldmoon to share her version of the staff's tale. We'll be gone from here before they ever arrive to search the cave."

The story of Riverwind was a sad tale, certainly, but it was one that brought feelings that Valik was unsure how to describe. He still felt the strong bond, an urge to protect her, but there was also a feeling of...distance. It wasn't the right word, but he could think of no other to describe it better. The words she had sang held deeper meaning, he was certain, and he felt a shiver run through him as he thought of what deeper, darker omens they might portent.

"People being the embodiment of gods, it is the same among the ogrekin. In our recent history, at least. Some still hold to older beliefs." Valik said no more on the matter, as he felt it would reflect negatively on Goldmoon's stance. His people were quite different from hers, after all.

When Aelina set to work on the staff, and others grew quiet, Valik settled in next to Vailin. He knew there was no chance the Seekers would catch up to them so soon, so he took some time to study the sky and search for the missing constellations Arryon had spoken of. He tried not to pay close attention to Aelina's work. He trusted her, and he knew her to be good, but all of his experience with the arcane prior to her had been with some of the cruelest and most heinous of ogre magi. The power they could tap into was too great, too destructive, for mortals to possess.

The question of where to take the staff to next was one that weighed heavily on his mind. It was a question he did not have a solid answer to.

The bard cautiously took the staff and concentrated on it, singing in a low volume wordless tune all the while. This was always a difficult endeavor even in the best of circumstances and the staff felt... recalcitrant. Beads of sweat started to form on her brow as she intensified her magical probe, until she reached a point where she visibly whitened and stopped singing. At a lost for words for what had happened, she looked at the staff on her lap, wide eyed.

Finally she got a few swallows from her waterbag before being able to speak. "I am astonished, the staff is actually resisting me, I've never felt that before. It seems to have a powerful mind of its own, but I could glean some information from it. " She paused instinctively for dramatic effects, a result of her years training in the bardic arts. "Like we saw in the inn, it does heal, and create light, we might be able to use those abilities. That would need to be tested. But the most curious thing is that it seems to be dormant, waiting for the right person to wield it. I have no idea who that might be, but the staff seems to want to go east." After another pause, on  a whim, she tried to command the staff to create light.

Uttering the command word "Adinadiin," Aelina watched as the staff turned blue, revealing its crystalline form, azure light radiating from the tip and filling the cave they found themselves in.

Vailin watched with a look of concern on his face.  "I have only heard of sentient magic items in tales.  None of those ever had a good outcome.  We should take the staff to a group who can manage such a dangerous item.  I for one am not expert in these areas."

It hurt him to not suggest they immediately take it to the Seekers.  But his instincts told him this staff needed to be in responsible hands.  Despite their authority in the region, he worried what they might do with such an implement.

Ayrron watched with curiosity as Aelina used her magic to try determining the properties of the staff. He himself had some 'hands on' with magical items, but most of his skills were in regard to imitate magical abilities with items of 'magical' nature.

When she spoke of the staff resisting her, he smiled. "Astounding" he muttered, almost excitedly.

The kender then looked at Vailin at his comments. "You would give up this opertunity? He we stand, on the brink of an adventure, like the tales tell, and you would hand it over like a meal you don't want?" He crossed his arms. "No - i believe that Goldmoon and the staff found us. For the last 5 years we searched for a sign of clerics and healing magic, and when we returned with no hope, This woman finds us and needs help. She holds a item that holds magic - healing magic and that gifted by the gods of old and you would turn your back."

He looked at the other two, then Goldmoon. "You have a path now - the staff indicated to Aelina we should go east - and given it's magic is stronger with you, i believe you are the chosen to carry it" He then looks at Vailin.

"You speak of honor and truth, and when this lady needs help, you would turn and walk away? I will not - This is the stuff of legends, and even for a small part, i ould see where it leads.....This may be the key to bringing back the gods!"

He looked at Goldmoon. "I know i am small, and my race are usually portrayed poorly - but while this burden is yours to bare, i will help you." He crossed his arms and looked at the others. "What about you.....You wanna run and hide, or see what adventure this leads to?"

Vailin held his anger in check, purely through years of discipline.  "Do not speak to me of duty or honour.  I have served my. . .entire. . .life.  Who or what have you served other than your own thirst for adventure?"

"I propose we bring it to masters of magic, who understand the danger of such items and can manage it with years of wisdom and practice.  Servants of good.  You consider yourself mightier than them, more worthy to take on this task?  You are arrogant beyond measure sorcerer."

The kender looked at Vailin and couldn't help but smile a cheeky smile. "What's the matter Vail....Showing some cracks in your armor."

He placed his hands on his hips and tilted his head. "....You assume much there. Yes, i seek adventure but that is not all." Now his tone went serious. "Despite the fact our beliefs are different, what i believe is you underestimate yourself and your friends. I believe that things happen for a reason, that we forge our own path and no matter what we need to strive to better ourselves."

He reached into his pack and pulled out a journal. "Since i've known you, i have searched for a way to prove that i am more than the label of kender - that we all are. On my journey, i found my path or more it found me."

He dropped his arms and looked at Vailin. "I know you believe us running was wrong - i do not fault that. On the contrary, i admire your steadfast morale code - as stuffy as it can be at times, but you are a man of focus and duty. Yes, what i said was of frustration, and i apologies..." He shrugged. "...despite wanting to prove i am more than kender, i still do kender things like speaking before thinking."

He crossed his arms. "I do not consider myself mightier than anyone - i'm just a tinkerer, nor more worthy. But what i do know is that the staff found her for a reason, as did she find us. To want to abandon her to more strangers, a woman who is scared and alone. She does not know who to trust, yet she trusts US. I am not saying we should not seek help.....reckless, yes; stupid, no. But i believe that we are part of this, and we have to be careful."

The kender stepped closer to the man. "She may be the key to returning the gods to this land, and while i'm not a person of faith, i believe that everyone has a choice."  He sighed and turned around, replacing the journal, then turned back. "This is her staff, and i think she has a say on what to do. We can advise her but i think while it's hers, we can either protect an innocent woman, or walk away - and i'm not comfortable with the second option."

"Vailin speaks with wisdom and practicality, as always. I do not doubt your sense of duty and honor, Vailin. We are fortunate to have you as a friend. He said nothing of walking away, Arryon."

"It would be wise to have someone who knows more about such things have a look at the staff. Is it right? And is there even such a person? Those are harder questions to answer. Forces seek to claim it, but why? And at what cost? We did spend two years searching for signs of the gods, of true healing. We've found it now, in this woman and in her staff. Why we found it here, where our journey began, and not while we wandered the world, I do not know. But we have found it at last. If this is the sign that the gods are still here, that we are not alone, then good and evil may both come looking."

"But east? That is troubling. Back to Solace? To the tribal lands? Further, to the eastern peaks? All that lies beyond those is fetid swampland, and the waters of New Bay. Continue east long enough, across those waters and others, and you'll arrive in the ogre lands. Across the ports that I sailed in my search for divine, north and east were the source of endless rumors of armies and wars, people and ships going missing."

"If east in our way, we will have to choose first, north or south. South through mountains and forests, nearer to Haven, where Seekers hold their power, and where they prepare to wage war on elves and dwarvenkind. Or north, to open plains where we'll have no hope of avoiding those who come searching for the staff."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Mon 08 May 2023.

Vailin had paid little heed to Arryan's words as it was more of the same.  Did he even realise he was continuing to insult the warrior?  Probably not.

He nodded in appreciation to Valik at his more balanced and pragmatic words.

"Open plains would allow us to see our enemy coming.  It also reduces the risk of becoming entangled in other affairs.  These risks are ours to take, not innocent victims.  I would also prefer to avoid battle with the Seekers in their lands."

"But if we take the northern route we'd need mounts.  Being so exposed, we'd need to move quickly."

"But before that."  He looked to Aelina.  "Have you heard any tales of one who might guide us.  A powerful but goodly wizard or someone who might know of items like this.  Simply following the will of a sentient staff seems a little fool hardy."

Ayrron looked at Valik, then Vailin, and shrugged. Both he and Vailin had always been at odds in a way - his discipline and order had always been opposite to the sheer nature of kender, and though Ayrron was more levelheaded than his kin, he was still kender.

He sighed and shrugged. If we want to seek information on the staff, then we need to contact the tower of high sorcery....that would be the best bet. Scholars, wizards and experts are all there. Finding it will be difficult without them allowing us to come."

She looked at Aelina. "...luckily both myself and Aelina have been there, so we may have a little sway for audience."

Still in awe of the discoveries she had made with the staff, the half-elf was only half listening to the arguments on the way to go. Only when the tower she considered like her true home was mentioned that she lifted her head and took part. "I think Ayrron is right, if we want to seek advice, the Tower of high sorcery is the place to go. I know a white wizard I would trust with this, Merril Stonebrow. The problem is to find the tower, as she moves regularly.

OOC: I'm not giving you this information to influence which way you go one bit, but here's what you all know regarding the options which have been floated so far:

I've posted a map of region on Discord.  Refer to that map.

You're currently on the northwestern shore of Crystalmir Lake.

North

North lies the road to Haven, which loops around the Sentinel Peak mountains, then doubles back down south to Haven.  If you go past the road and keep going north, you enter the northern portion of the plains of Abanasinia.  This is also the direction in which Valik, Ayrron, and Goldmoon encountered the goblin party.

East

East is back towards Solace (initially) -- if you go past that, you're heading towards the Eastern Plains of Abanasinia, specifically to the Que-Kiri people and the Que-shu.  Beyond that is the Eastwall Mountain range, and a narrow strip of forest before you hit the coastline of the New Sea.

South

South lies the road to Gateway, and then on to New Ports.  If you head Southwest between Gateway and New Ports, you hit the Elven lands of Qualinesti.  Keep going southwest past Qualinesti, and you enter the Forest of Wayreth, where the Tower of High Sorcery is said to reside.

West

West and Southwest of your position lies Darken Wood.  It's rumoured to be cursed, and stories abound of people who have entered the Wood, never to exit again.  A straight line from Solace to Haven would pass right through the middle of Darken Wood.

"Are you able to determine where she might be with any degree of certainty?"  Vailin enquired.  "It sounds like the ideal place to go but not if we have no idea where to go.  If it's too hard I would say we head north like we were previously discussing."

Ayrron scratched his head and shrugged. "It isn't a issue of knowing, but more being welcome. People who look for it tend to go missing, or never find it - a defence of the mages and the tower put in place years ago....very interesting actually."

He looked at Aelina. The kender, though not one to have been here as long as the half elf, he had spent time at the tower.

He crossed his arms and sighed. "If I was to guess, I'd say the tower would most likely be west of here - its surrounded by a wodded area so a forest of some sort is my best guess."

The bard gave the staff back to Goldmoon, it was hers after all. She then looked outside quizzically. "The latest rumors I heard for the present tower location was that she was in Wayleth, pass Qualinestri. A very long walk indeed. But that information is old, they might have moved it again. They do like forests, and the closest is Darken... but its a shot in the dark, we might have as much chance finding it there than those archers of touching us on the lake in the middle of the night. And like Ayrron says, it depends on the defenses of the tower. I almost got killed by her the first time I chanced on her." Inside, she would be glad to go back to the place that gave her that first chance in life, but she didn't let it show.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Fri 12 May 2023.

Ayrron put the piece of metal, and removed a vial of what looked like black ink with a shimmering dust in it, as well as a book. "Well, whichever we way is a guess at this stage, but our main problem is people comiing for us. It's a good guess people will be sent out, but most people won't find us in the dark. In saying that, i don't want to be trapped in the morning, so i'd say lets move as far as we can tonight and make for a forest....we may lose them in there. then we can rest."

Vailin looked at Ayrron curiously.  "Plan has already been made to wait out the storm here and leave before first light.  Trying to navigate in darkness and a storm will only get us lost, injured or both.  I've seen many an officer lose good men to such a practice."

"Rest while you can, we're leaving early and we'll be moving fast."

Ayrron sighed and nodded....a part of him happy to rest the storm out, but part also eagre to be gone. "I guess your right - they'd be mad to try find us in this." He placed the ink, bag and book beside his pack and lay down. "Not the most comfortable of sleeping places, but i have to say - i've had worse."

He then lay down and with the small light cube, flicked through his book. "If anyones hungry, i have a few spare rations. Else, lets rest.."

The storm continued to rage outside the cave, wing and rain lashing across the surface of the lake.  Only a fool would be out on the water in this weather, or so the common wisdom held.

Vailin took the first watch, while the rest of you set up for another night away from your warm beds.  Ayrron shared his rations with Goldmoon, including several of the squashed sausages and flatbreads taken from The Inn of the Last Home, and a quiet meal was had, filled with contemplation.

What did it all mean?  Was the staff, which had performed the first sign of true healing they had ever seen, truly an artifact of the gods?  Where could they take it to find answers?  What did the missing constellations mean?

The night passed without issue or challenge.  The storm, which raged through the night until the early hours of the morning, probably had as much to do with that as anything else.

---

OOC: With this, you all take a long rest, and wake refreshed with the sunrise the following morning.  If there's anything you'd like to cover as part of the downtime during the rest, please feel free to post it here (in-character or out-of-character, as you prefer), and we'll handle any dice rolls which may be needed.  I'll start a new thread for in the morning.

With this long rest, you've all reached level 2.  I'll reach out to each of you independently to handle level progression matters.

Aelina spent her part of the watch alone with her thoughts. Knowing sounds ported far over water, she stayed silent, thinking of the implication of having found true healing in that staff. As a trained bard, she was not prone to think in terms of miracles or divine interventions, especially since it had been ages since the gods presence on the lands had been felt.

But that staff did throw a branch in the spokes of her logic. The sentience she brushed during her probe of the staff was unsettling, like that object knew what it was looking for. Ayrron was wrong, Goldmoon was not the intended recipient of that magic, the item would not want to move east otherwise. It was tempting to just follow the whim of the moment and the staff, but she was certain that Merril could help them. All she needed was to find the tower.

Only that.

With a sigh, she woke up the next person for the watch and settled in to rest as much as she could, wrapped in her cloak.

Morning came too fast and as she ate and brushed her hairs, she asked "Did the night bring counsel? We obviously can't stay here, the Seekers know we crossed the lake and will be sending their hounds after us, if they are not already doing that. The staff wants to go east, but I still think we should seek advice from the tower. The appearance of this staff is a watershed moment in history, and it needs to be treated as such. Either way, I'm not leaving it, there will be a lot to record for posterity on this event."

Ayrron spent a little time sleeping, but was up during the night, reading the book and muttering silently to himself as he worked with the strange shimmering ink and the small sack. He used a piece of char hole and paper almost like he was practicing, then used the ink and sack, slowly, methodically….you’d never seen him so focused or careful.

Dawn came and he sat there, his hair a mess of blonde, dried ink on his hand, but a huge smile on his face. He looked at Aelina and nodded. “I agree that we don’t leave it - long has this world be devoid of the gods….this may be the first step of their return. And with Goldmoon having the staff choosing her, I feel whatever the path, we need to follow.”

He tied the sack to his belt. “Council will help, but finding it will be hard. If we can get word, it might be easier, but until then, maybe your path is the wisest.”

Vailin was up before the first rays of sun had hit the horizon and he had the others up too.  As agreed they would leave before the sun crested the horizon.  They needed to be moving before first light.

When the discussion came up Vailin shrugged.  "Seeking counsel remains my course.  We should seek out this tower if you feel you are able.  If not, then we should head north and then east."

He ate a quick breakfast while packing his gear.  He had cleaned his armour and weapons before going to bed the night before as was his ritual.  "We must leave before the Seekers can come.  This is a logical place for them to look.  We must be on our way before the dawn touches the water."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Wed 17 May 2023.

Ayrron had his book and gear into the bag at his side Z(Which strangely looked the same despite the items). "Mage tower it is then." He put some of teh items from his near-overflowing pack into the bag, and shouldered his pack. "Lets go then."

He looked around to see if he dropped anything in the cave before leaving. As he walked towards the cave entrance, he reached into a pouch and pulled out a piece of jerky. "Huh....i thought i ate all that last week." He shrugged and tore a piece off as he walked.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Wed 17 May 2023.

Decisions were always easier in the morning.  The cold light of dawn was just cresting over the eastern sky when the companions found themselves back in the boats, heading for the northwestern shore of Crystalmir Lake.

Upon reaching the shore, they quintet left the boats where they could be found by their owner eventually, and headed for the North Road.

OOC: I'll close this thread and start a new one for where we pick up.